‘... to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord’ (1 Corinthians 7:35)

UndividedCelibate Cutting EdgeIt’s inspiring, enterprising, world shattering, earth-shaking, life-giving, pioneering, liberating, motivating, faith-stirring, action-taking, stimulating, trail-blazing CELIBACY!

POWER AND PURITY OF A NEW GENERATION!CELIBACY is increasing in this church! A new generation of celibates is emerging. But we must still fight to preserve the purity of the celibate vow and be bold in proclaiming the call. Let’s not be afraid of going for the best and bringing that challenge to others. As someone has said – “Youth was made for heroism and not for pleasure. Young people are lost not because the gospel is hard, but because it is made too easy…” Celibacy is central to our church and a vital part of God’s purposes for the 90s and beyond. The Jesus Revolution needs passionate, sold-out celibate men and women. It is God’s heart and it must be ours.

A REMINDER!This is how some of us experienced the beginning of the year at the Celibate gathering at Cornhill:

Support band“As the strong worship was progressing, I had the impression that a sturdy gate was being opened in heaven and Jesus, the King, was riding out at the head of a band of people. I sensed that He was eager and excited, embarking on a new expedition. We celibates were those who were following in His band and I felt we were like those described in Revelation ‘clothed in white linen and riding white horses’. At the same time I felt strongly the phrase 'The Hope for the Future'.

JESUS FELLOWShIP/MODERN JESUS ARMY

CELIBACY INSPIRATIONAL NEWSLETTER

1992 NO. 02

FROM ThE EDITOR …

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“Linking these together, I think that in some way the re-dedication of lives during the meeting provided the Lord with those He could use to do new things to safeguard the future and ongoing life and work of Zion.”

Light walking“Since the meeting, I’ve realised it’s my duty before God to bring things into the light and to set a standard of holiness for the sake of Zion. “I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve had to be real and the Holy Spirit won’t let me rest until I do something about it! The Lord is doing a new thing in celibates, preparing them for the future when they will be the main thrust in the Jesus Revolution.”

Switched on“I was weeping and crying to the Lord to cleanse me so that the fire could sit within me and never go away … I also had the sense of the privilege of the martyr spirit coming into our midst … “I heard music of instruments that were not there… many angels, really high voices … The power switch of the celibates had been turned on! “We are not a group to be scorned anymore! God has raised us up for this time and this hour! This is God’s moment!”

Power waves“It was the most amazing meeting I’ve ever attended in sixteen years belonging to the Fellowship. “The power of the Holy Spirit was unstoppable like wave after wave of power and blessing that couldn’t be held back. The fire and the joy of real worship burned in our hearts as a truly corporate anointing of the Spirit came upon the gathering. “I felt as though the Spirit just didn’t want to leave, and neither did anyone else!”

Sacrificial zealI have found since a greater willingness to sacrifice … God’s holiness and awesomeness was such that it seemed only right to give Him all I was. I would have done more if I could … “One word has left a lasting impression on me, that even before the foundation of the world the Lamb was slain and God moved in sacrifice. “Sacrifice is so much a part of God’s heart and we discover more of that heart through celibacy.”

Weeping“I was overwhelmed, convulsed by the Spirit and weeping. It was the most powerful meeting I’ve ever been to.”

huw Lewis

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Celibate Song written by two sisters from the Jesus Fellowship’s London ‘Battlecentre’ community house.

Jesus, I am resolved now to live for You alone,Called to this life of freedom,Embracing the narrow road,Distaining the world’s attractions,Ignoring the devil’s scorn;Out of the fire of afflictionCelibate strength is born.

And when I see Your gloryAnd know You are calling meInto this special friendshipTo know heart purity,O, how the gift o’erwhelms me,This prize esteemed above,And I enjoy the privilegeOf returning my Saviour’s love.

Upon our Lord fully leaning,Living in grace alone;In His presence sweetly resting,Where self-strength is disdained.To our Lord fully yielded,To brethren giving all,The fragrance of His mercyIs the beauty of our call.

To Him alone the gloryNot to share our Saviour’s crownAs we aspire to love HimAnd to tear our idols down.Sacrifice is our longing,Our passion is His church;The martyr spirit stirs within usFor our death is its birth.

© Jesus Fellowship Songs/Thankyou Music

_____________ FEEDBACKWe are always pleased to hear from any who read ‘Undivided’ and will always try to answer any questions directed to the Editor. Address correspondence to: The Editor, Undivided, Jesus Fellowship Central Offices, Nether heyford, Northants NN7 3LB or email: huw.lewis @jesus.org.uk

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For info/help contact: Jesus Fellowship Central Offices, Nether Heyford, Northampton NN7 3LB, UK Tel: 0845 123 5550 Txt: 0774 0774 200

www.jesus.org.uk e: info@jesus.org.uk © Jesus Fellowship 1992

Some more recent words that came from a Celibate Steering Group Meeting:• Cherish and value one another as celibates and maintain our bonds of friendship. These are vital in the intensity of the battle.• We must keep turning the stones of our hearts over and not becoming complacent. We need to keep purifying ourselves and be constantly stirred up.• Be expectant for new people to take hold of the vision.

ThE WhOLEhEARTEDNESS and purity of the celibate will bring faith to the broken and degraded because they are approached with the love of Jesus, the most

winning power this world has ever known.

GOD CALLS US to forsake the good for the excellent.

Seven Silver Rings

The video, ‘Why? Why Not?’ Six men and women speak about what it means for them to have chosen to be celibate for God and the path that led them to make that decision.

AVAILABLE NOW! From Jesus People Shop, Nether heyford, Northampton NN7 3LB, UK Tel: 0845 166 8172 www.jesus.org.uk PUBLICATIONS

An updated and enlarged Seven Silver Rings has been published. This includes new chapters on the history and biblical background to Celibacy as well as answering some of those frequently asked questions about living single for Jesus. Comprehensive and challenging, it sets out to show how a radical lifestyle of undivided love for Jesus and His church

is possible in the 21st century. This voluntary choice is far removed from the institutional forms of celibacy.